Page 47 of Saint

It’s easy to define a healthy relationship because it fits in neat parameters. But what about an unhealthy one? If each party is getting what they desire, whether society would view it as right or wrong, can it still be love—healthy or not?

Killers don’t love.

I close my eyes and inhale through my nose.

I’m justifying Saint’s fixation with my own sick interests because I handed him the blueprint on how to tap into them. But this isn’t him caring. This isn’t healthy. This will continue to escalate until we reach that tipping point.

What happens when his rage turns my way?

After so much death, sooner or later, there’s a real chance it will be my body he’s burying.

Someone across the library bursts out laughing, and it makes me jump. Glancing over, I spot a few members of Sigma Sin propped on the edge of a table, not studying, and I’m surprised the librarian hasn’t kicked them out yet.

I guess that’s one of the perks of being wealthy and insufferable.

I’m not sure why they’re even here. Everyone at Briar knows they don’t have to study to pass their classes. If their family money continues to pour in, the professors look the other way.

Declan and Maddox are laughing at something on Declan’s phone while Kole is leaning against the table reading a book. And when someone walks past them, Maddox slips his foot forward and trips him, which makes Declan burst out laughing.

Assholes.

I gather my books and shove them in my bag.

I’d rather study in my stalker-surveilled dorm room than risk a run-in with Sigma Sin tonight. But just as I’m about to tuck my final book into my bag, I drop it and catch their attention.

“Violet.” Declan practically sings my name from across the library. He drags it out and whistles at the end.

Wonderful.

When I was dating Liam, I didn’t get this much attention from Sigma Sin, but ever since he went missing, they’ve been breathing down my neck every chance they get, trying to figure out where he is.

They assume I know something they don’t.

Which I guess is true, even if I’ve yet to admit it.

I ignore Declan’s catcall and sling my bag over my shoulder, but the three of them close in before I can escape.

“Trying to run, Vi?” Declan stops in front of me with his arms crossed over his chest, a devious smirk painting his face with amusement.

Maddox spins the chair I was sitting in around and straddles it, facing me. But Kole is still reading his book, walking over slowly, disinterested as always.

I roll my shoulders back as I pull my hair out from under my strap. “What do you want, Declan?”

“Haven’t seen you around in a few days. You wouldn’t be avoiding me, would you?” He tilts his head to the side.

“Avoiding you?” I square off with him. “That’s assuming I care, which I don’t. Go bother one of your many groupies if you’re looking for attention.”

I try to step around him, but he shifts into my path, refusing to let me go.

“Feisty.” Declan steps toward me, getting close. “Maybe I’m starting to see what Liam saw in you.”

My stomach turns as his eyes skim to where my sweater hugs my chest.

“And maybe I’m starting to see why Liam didn’t introduce us.”

Declan’s dark gaze flicks back up to mine, and he smirks. “Sure. That’s why.”

I don’t know how to take his comment, so I take a step back. The three of them surround me now, and my arms prickle at the intensity of Declan’s focus.

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